Inside the New York Yankees clubhouse with MLB.com beat writer Bryan Hoch.

What can you say? Plenty, apparently

I’d love to be able to tell you exactly what transpired during the 34 minutes that Joe Girardi ordered not just the reporters to stay out of the room, but also the batboys, clubhouse workers and assorted security personnel. I won’t pretend I know exactly what was said. We’ll never have a word-by-word transcript, but you can cobble together a pretty good idea of what this meeting was all about.

This was the red alert, the kick in the rear end that told the Yankees to look up at the calendar. When Darrell Rasner throws the game’s first pitch on Friday afternoon, there will be only 75 full games remaining — 75 games for the Yankees to prove they deserve to be a playoff team. If the season ended today, they wouldn’t even be close to being one of the four American League teams permitted to play in October. It’s the harsh truth.

That’s what Girardi’s meeting was about — not so much an indictment of one game or one performance, though there wasn’t much to speak of in a sleepy 7-0 setback to the Red Sox. This was about the season, and more to the point, the fact that it is slipping away quicker than they anticipated.

Last year, Joe Torre got loud behind closed doors in Toronto and left even some of the veterans feeling embarrassed about the dressing-down they’d been given. That was in May. Girardi has held four meetings by our count (Derek Jeter hints there have been more we don’t know about) and this is by far the most in-your-face, nothing-held-back session so far, from the bits and pieces that were tossed around.

It worked for Torre. Will it work for Girardi? If it does, you’ll look back on July 3 as the day the Yankees’ season turned for the better. If it doesn’t, this will be just a mere footnote in a season that didn’t live up to expectations.

Share this:

Like this:

85 Comments

Girardi must go…
No question about it, the guy stinks. He doesn’t click with his team and you cant lead that way. Either “The Boss” is too old and snoozing or his kids dont know what to do, but if this was just a few years ago he would have been canned weeks ago. Willie would most likely make a better manager.
Starting pitching…. HELLO!
I dont think that there is a team that can scream or beg any louder for it.
And the Offense…
Shape up or ship out. Even give a demonstration by sending one or so to the minors (maybe even trading em). Probably start low (like Cano – My mom plays better ball with my son than he does), then the big boys may jump in line.
All in all something must be done, besides waiting then crying and nagging again at the end of season about what shouldve been done

They better make a trade that will really help them, remember last year when the Braves got Teixera, and he was hitting like crazy, the Yankees need to make a trade like that. Damon, Giambi, Moose are the only Yankees who are really playing. The rest are on vacation. They better turn it around. For all you Girardi blamers, it really isn’t his fault he can’t bat, pitch, or field. They need another strong pitcher in their rotation that will help Mussina, and Andy. When they have everyone back into their lineups, just watch they make a surge for the Wild Card, forget the Divison the Rays basically won it. I hope the Yankees have a win streak because they really need it, they have to take the next two games.

the problem is not the offense it is because the pitching is putting to much pressure on the offense.runs are down all over the league because of steroids testing so now you need pitching and the yankees don’t have it.trade kennedy,melky and 2 prospects for an ace,i would even trade hughes if we got a relatively young ace with a decent contract.wang is a number 2 pitcher.forget texiera,go get 2 aces,wang at 3,joba 4. imagine sabathia,harden,wang,joba,get rid of matsui,damon,giambi,farns,hawk,pavano,pettitte,mussina,abraeu,move posada to first base,put the kid who broke his wrist behind the plate until montero is ready,cervelli.the yankees can’t win with rasner,ponson, unless the top 3 are lights out and they are not.wang’s injury ended the yankees chances.big difference between wang,pettitte,mussina,joba,rasner compared to pettitte,mussina,joba,rasner,ponson.

Why the *ell trade for anyone to stay in this year’s race. This team needs a HUGE overall. Start with getting rid of the GM then some of these worthless coaches and scouts in the minor league system. Is it any wonder why many of these guys in their last year of their contract are just going through the motions.

Top of the 8th, Giambi on first with no outs.
Posada pops out after working the count full.
Cano swings at the first pitch he sees and grounds into a double play.
Well, doesn’t look like Girardi’s tirade made a whole helluva lot of difference, does it.

Yeah, it seems to be a trend from the last couple of years. I thought it was just this year but when I thought about it more I realized that it’s slowly been going this way for a few years. I’m not asking to come from behind every time you’re down by 5, but just don’t look like you’re giving up when you’re down by 3.

This rain delay is only posponing the enevitable (sp?). Just call the game and call it quits. The yanks will go down in order the last two innings anyway. These jerks are just collecting a pay check…very large ones too.

Michael Kay was even saying how this “team” has shown a lot of quit in them when they get behind in games-his quote a “glass jaw”. Great call, Kay. That right there is one of the best descriptives of this team.

The Yankees got off to a good start in ths game, but once again, they are not getting big hits in key situations … With bases loaded, and one out, in the 7th, and Abreu and A-Rod up – they have to score at least two runs, and keep the rally going … But, they are not hitting with runners on base … Red Sox 6, Yankees 3 – in the top of the 8th … And, it’s raining !!! … Take care, Bryan … Jimmy …

bases loaded one out and our 3rd hole hitter pops out and the cleanup hitter grounds out. This team does NOT get the ball out of the infield. How many *amn times have we seen this crap since 2000? MAJOR changes need to be made to this crappy group of ball players. They are a disgrace to this franchise. No matter how many meetings you hold it will NOT make a difference. Get rid of some of these BUMS.

Can I ask you guys a question? I don’t like the guy, not nearly as much as I did 5 years ago, but do you think Beltran would have been a good fit in CF on this team? Cashman flat out turned him down ( was it cashman??)

I don’t know. I am beginning to think his 30-40 homers/year and his 95% base stealing percentage would have really helped win some games….

and I also know he has quit several times the past few years and that he has a hard time with a good curve ball….

If Hawkins has been released then it is another example of bad judgement by this GM. With all of the offseason free agents available this GM signed Hawkins. How many BAD decisions can this guy make before ownership realizes that Brian the Know Nothing is the problem?

The bottom of this lineup is pathetic. After the 5 hitter you have 4 “almost automatic” outs. Now Damon is out…man, I wish he caught that ball AND didn’t get hurt. I was actually starting to believe in this guy!

As much as I keep saying we still have July, August & September left the bottom line is that this team is NOT going to make the playoffs and it needs to rebuild NOW. If that means being a seller at the trading deadline then fine. I just don’t want Crashman involved in any decisions for the future of this ballclub.

Injuries are big part of this. Plus our run support is shaky. Rasner and co would get more wins if we scored more runs. He gave up 6 today and he’s garbage but he has losses when he gave up 2 or 3 and thats not acceptable.

what is the difference between rasner or kennedy. I bet they do make that move and bring in kennedy he will get rocked just like rasner. The yankees will not come back in this game they quit when they get behind.

Matt ever notice how many of the minor leaguers this team has that are NOT ready for the majors? I have to ask the question what the *ell do the coaches at Wilkes Barre, Trenton & Tampa do to earn their $$?

First thing I would do at the end of this season is end Crashman’s reign as GM. I look for 2 out of the following three to be in other uniforms next year, Abreu, Damon & Matsui. The one left will either be a DH or spot player. This team needs another starter next year, preferably an ace. The bench needs an overhaul. When you are dependent on Betemit, Gonzalez, Molina etc to provided some pop off the bench you are in trouble. A LEFTY reliever, again I say a LEFTY reliever would be nice. All in all my first sentence spells it out yankee fans, I do not believe that Crashman is capable of filling the many holes on this team.

Bases loaded 1 out in the first, not the best start. Now 2 out big pitch to get Lowell. Fingers crossed Youklos up now 0 and 2 !!!!!. Straight to Jeter inning over, surely that can provide the spark required.

There has to be an answer to the offende problems, i don,t know what it is. It is the same offense that last year hit almost 1000 runs, with AROD Matsui Cano Posada Abreau Giambi Cabrerra and damon. I cannot believe they can fall to the inconsistant standard, there has to be an internal answer.

At least yesterday “Baby Face ” Robertson he looks 18 put up another 123 performance and looked better than his previous 2 performances. He has now pitched 4 without a hit, almost Joba like on his debut.

I have got up at 0300 hours in Melbourne for this next start and am hanging in there, hope the team appreciates that

Yes, Girardi has left a few pitchers in there too long, but if you look at his overall usage, he’s done a great job. He’s kept his starters in for longer than their “pitch counts” would let them and has been successful on many occasions. He’s spared Yankee fans from over-usage of a mediocre bullpen by keeping pitchers like Mussina in there for over 100 pitches. It’s been quite refreshing actually. Unfortunately along with that you’ll get a few games where the pitcher does go “too long.” Overall though I like this better. Rely on the starting pitching and go from there. Now if only they could get some starters…

As for the manager after Joba walked two batters back to back he left him in the game and the next batter crushed one. More then once he has left pitchers in too long and they paid the price. He says he knows how to get Farnsworth to pitch better yet nothing.
As for Moose has anyone heard of Maddox who has not had a fastball in years or Jamie Moyer who still gets batters out. It is not always about strength but smarts as a pitcher. Wakefield has never had a fastball but gets the job done.

With Sui done, Gardener is not the answer when you have Abreu (can’t track down flyballs), Damon (can’t throw), Melky (can’t hit or track down shallow balls). You need to add another veteran outfielder.

True, the season is far from over. However, the truth of the matter is that the Yankees currently lack the will to win and certainly the ages of these old veterans are a prime reason why. Jeter, Abreu, Damon, Giambi, and Jorge are all aging quickly. Now, I’ll never say trade Jeter or move him from SS. However, we cannot disagree his play has declined. Still, I expect Jeter to return to form somewhat in the second half or a resurgence in 2009. Damon is hitting well, but can hurt his foot or anything else at any time. Abreu’s hitting is full of hills and valleys. And while I’m happy for Jason (and don’t get me wrong, he’s killing the ball) the yankees cannot re-sign him next season. 1) My guess is, after a productive and healthy season in 2008, he’s more likely to produce less and is more of an injury risk at 36-37 next season. And Jorge, while I am glad they re-signed him, he had a torn tendon in his shoulder– I am sorry, but he’ll never be the same.

If Yankee Fans want to win, they must suffer an actual re-building era. Keep Jeter, A-Rod, Cano, and Jorge. Everyone else must go. We have Tabata and Austin Jackson on the rise. I believe that Brett Gardner is a much better option than Melky right now because of his Jose Reyes-type speed and Giambi-like plate discipline. The pitching is going to be fine eventually. Joba will be an ace, Phil Hughes MUST redeem himself and show the Yankees why they didn’t trade him for Santana. I believe Ian Kennedy is future trade bait considering the Yanks can go after CC, Harden, or Sheets. Mussina must go after this season. You can only survive with an 86 MPH fastball for so long. Trust me on this one, take the type-A draft pick over a 39 year-old guy with an 86 MPH “heater”. So that could leave us with a 2009 rotation of 1) CC, Harden or Sheets (one of them) 2) Wang 3) Joba 4) Andy (who would make a terrific 4 guy) and 5) Hughes (imagine if he figures it out, possible best 5 guy in baseball).

Elfman, You are absolutely right, Joe is not out there underperforming. Players Averages and other stats are down. There isn’t anyone that performing better than last year. They needed a wake up call a month ago. Injuries are not the problem. If this lackadasical play continues after the all star break, We should bring up some of the minor leaguers to fill in for our so called stars who will replace them in SWB. I don’t want to pick on Cano (since he signed a big contract suddenly can’t hit, (bring back Pena)) Cabrera isn’t hitting, yes he can field, so what with his average, Gardner or Christian would do. a as good a job in the field.
Posada has trouble hitting in the clutch, He’s having trouble throwing runners out (Molina doesn’t hit with his power but is a good defensive catcher). No, I don’t mean sending him down. I could go on but …………
“O YANKEES!”

The season is far from over, but when look at all those factors I just mentioned, it’s going to be tough to come back from that. Arod’s not going to drive in 110 more runs. Jeter’s not going to hit .322. Posada’s not going to hit .338. Wang’s not going to win 19 games. Think about how much those stats meant to the team last year who only won the Wild Card.

When you think about it, the only players who are really playing BETTER this year are Giambi, Moose, and Damon. It’s almost like the “home-grown” Yankees decided to take a year off and let the free agents take care of business for a season.

A most uninspiring performance from a bunch of overpaid athletes pretending to be YANKEES. It is unconscionably the worst by this team. Even worse when they go down by 4 runs, they gave up. Do they forget that it was only the 2nd inning and they have come back from far worse in the past. Are these the Yankees we have grown to love? Those Yankee teams, who in the past have never given up? SHAME ON THEM!!
Andy was terrible last night, but when you don’t score a run, No matter how bad the pitching is “YOU CAN’T WIN!!!! ”
“GO YANKEES!”

Fire Joe? In over his head? Girardi has been doing a pretty good job so far this year. If you think about it, the team he has now is WAY worse than last year. Last year Jeter had a good year. This year is so far one of his worst, both offensively and defensively. Last year Melky was doing pretty well at this point. This year he’s been pretty bad aside from the good start. Last year Arod had one of the greatest seasons in baseball history. This year he’s just doing really well AND he missed a bunch of time. Last year Posada had one of the greatest seasons for a catcher in history. This year he’s just doing pretty well and he too missed a ton of time. Last year the team had Wang for the whole season. This year they’ll have him for about 1 third of the season.

Firing Joe Giradi won’t change the situation. They have to trade/waiver one of those Fat Cat players, that will get some attention. I read were Johhny Damon said we done it before look at our record. Damon; you are no better then your last at bat. The players are resting on their laurels. Time to move people. I love Derek, but him too. There are internal problems with the Yankees. I don’t know if the Jeter/Arod thing, or unhappy because Joe Torre was let go. But there is a seriuos problem and the only way to break it up is to break-up the cliques.

Its time for the Team to fire Joe and hire Willie as manager. Seems Joe is over his head and needs more training as a base coach or something other then manager for the best sports in America. Willie spent years as the third base coach and as the bench coach before taking over the Mets. He has the second highest winning percentage record in Mets history while Joe’s record is getting fired from a lousy team.

I just can’******** stand to sit here this morning and listen to the GOD DAMNED local sportscasters get all stemmy over last nights game. IT ******* PISSES ME OFF THAT THESE ******** CANT BEAT A TEAM ON A 5 GAME LOSING STREAK!!!********* *****. We’d better beat the ******* pants off them these next three games!!

Back in time

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.